Mysore, Bengaluru Hungama with MBC- ECE-B students

If an opportunity knocks your door you must say YES…..

So I said YES to Shilpa, when she requested me to be the lady faculty in charge for an industrial visit of 6 days.

About the tourists

 There were 36 students from ECE-B batch, Jobin Sir and his Family (wife and sweet daughter), 3 drivers and me.

About the Bus

Our bus was a 45 seated luxurious bus with smokers, LEDs, floor Light effects, Sub woofer stereo speakers, Mike and a plasma TV. A big bus from ernakulam arranged by Sachin and party which is Comfortable, economical and classy. Adnan was in charge of music settings. His collections of music was great.

When we started….

I came from Kannur to Pallikkunnu via Parasuram express and then to MBC College by auto. We departed from college around 8 p.m on 15 December 2013. Students lighted the crackers to mark the beginning of journey. From Ponkunnam Jobin Sir and his family also entered the bus.

About the destinations….

Students planned to visit Coorg, Golden temple, Nisargathma forest, Dubare rafting, Harigini dam, Mysore- zoo, Brindavan gardens, Mysore Palace, Summer Palace, Triveni Sangamam, Gum Bazz, Bangalore, Lal Bagh, Vidhan Soudha & Hognekkal. Destinations were planned in such a way that none of the routes overlapped and had a comfortable journey.

Our first destination

We reached Waynad around 7:30 am, freshed up and went to Coorg. By 10:30 am we reached Dubare rafting. Here we spent one hour in boating, swimming and playing. We really got rejuvenated by the cool water of the lake. It was an amazing start. We also had the opportunity to visit the guides kitchen, to our surprise they were cooking deer. Unbelievable….

Then we went to bamboo gardens which was 10 Km away from Dubare rafting. It was wonderful. The journey through hanging bridge was really amazing. Below the bridge we can clearly see a shawl of fishes. Bamboo gardens were wonderfully designed, it is a perfect hangout area. Here also there is spot for bathing in the cool river Cauvery.

Our next destination was  Golden Temple. This was my second visit. It is said that when Tibet was in war China, some of the Tibetan refugees were given home in India and that was at Coorg. Here they builted their golden temple and  flourished once again. This became one of the tourist places in Karnataka.

Harigini Dam visit was cancelled as our time schedule lagged behind the first schedule. We stayed at Hotel Castle at Coorg which is owned by Malayalees.

Next day we departed to Mysore. St joseph Cathedral was our first destination, it was a very huge cathedral. Near about 5000 people were buried under the cathedral and their names were carved on the walls of cathedral. We stayed here and had camp fire in the hotel premises. All students danced and rocked that evening. Even I couldn’t resist the vibe of the crowd.

Then we went to Mysore Palace, a very distinguished, luxurious Palace of Mysore Maharaja. We also visited the Mysore residential palace- here large collection of family photos of Maharaj was displayed. We also visited Mysore art gallery. The oil paintings of Ravi Varma was displayed here along with 1000 other paintings. There was a special clock in which soldiers marched every  hour and ever drum beat was in tune with each seconds in the clock and also it had a special chime. We saw this wonderful moment exactly at 3 ‘0’ clock.

We also visited Colonel’s dungeon where British prisoners of Tippu Sultan were chained. This dungeon is named after a Colonel who died in the prison. Near to the prison there was River Cauvery and the guide told us that the prison would drown if a special portal was opened. 2 Km away from here Tippu Sultan died in his final Battle. We also went to Gum Buzz where Tippu Sultan built a Tomb as memoir for his Father Hyder Ali. In the same Tomb several relatives of Tippu Sultan were buried. Near to the Tomb, there is a mosque. The architecture and the interior of the tomb were marvelous.

We also found different sets made by KSTDC to attract tourists. The sets include fort, masjid, temple and Tippu Sultan’s Palace. We then went to Brindhavan Gardens. Priya was companion there. She is a very interesting person who has lots and lots to say. As I was a very good listener I enjoyed her company. We also saw the light show in Brindavan garden. It was not so marvelous as I expected, an okay type show.

We also went to Triveni sangaman, Lal bagh and had wonderful shopping at Bengaluru. Next day we went to Hognekkal, had boating in the traditional round water transport J we spented 3 hours here and tasted the fresh fish fry from the lake which was made by local people. Also many students including me  had their first swimming lessons here… Sachin and Somy were my trainers. Sheethal became the first to hold her breath under water for a long time. She even beated the boys. I enjoyed every moment here

We returned to college same day and reached college by 5:30 a.m next day (21 December 2013)

My experience

I was a bit shy to travel with a whole lot of strangers, I knew only 2 people in the bus. But by the end of the journey all 36 students became my dear friends. We danced, sang and played. In bus it was full fun, every student was made to sing and dance and also narrated their experiences. 

Somy was the master of ceremony in the bus. He was great at that. No one in the bus would forget the songs and dialogues of Sijoppan.

Sijjopan said: “1947 mein Jawahar lal Nehru ne bola….. Sijoppan tum bharat ke veer putra ho”

Sijjoppan sang a wonderful song which won a great applause. The songs by Steve, Yedhu etc were really great. There are many names to be mentioned here, they were truly great.

 I sang and I danced and I got many fans. I got to know many students more closely, I was glad I was a part of this tour. This batch truly rocked and I loved every moment with them.

In the ruins of Ammachi Kottaram

It was October 2^nd; I got up late as there was no office. Two students knocked on my door and asked whether I can accompany them to Ammachi Kottaram. As I was free and I was looking for opportunities to go outside the campus, I said YES. When students came with this idea, I was in a prejudice that the students knew everything about that palace and its route. I didn’t know I was stepping into a new adventure.

                                                             Ammachi Kottaram

We got ready by 12:30 pm and went outside. I got the details at that time; there were 53 students and me for this journey. None of them knew the exact route except a rough idea. I am the faculty here and so it is my sole responsibility to take care of 53 students. I said to them that we will go by auto. To our luck there was no auto. So we planned to go to next bus stop by walk. It was 30 minutes walk. Students really enjoyed it. Some students were tired. And then when we reached the stop, it started raining. It was at that time I realized that most of the students didn’t carry an umbrella. Peermade is a place where frequent raining occurs and yet the students dared not to carry an umbrella. It started raining heavily. Under one umbrella there were at least 5 or 6 students. There were 8 or 9 groups like that including mine.

                                                                      Assembly hall

Two students went to catch auto. 5 auto’s came as per their request, others climbed the bus. We reached Ammachi Kottaram by 2pm. I told the students that we will spent one hour here and will go back. They said Ok.

The steps leading to secret passage

The Secret passage

I wouldn’t call this a palace. It would be better to say we found the ruins of Palace. What makes a palace a palace is its architecture, indoor decorative, antique collections etc. This is my concept about a Palace. But here we won’t find anything like that. If we search in the nook and corner of palace, we may see some beauty.

Our Guide

Dharma lingam was the name of our guide. He was a very old man. It is from his words I get a glimpse of the palace history. I don’t know how far it is true. But let me narrate what I heard.

Ammachi Kottaram, (the Palace of Queen Mother was built upon the ghaut at Glenrock Estate ans was opened by J D Munro. The Palace was built by Thiruvithamkoor Maharaja and is 210 years old now. It was like a olden summer resort for them. The palace consists of 3 rooms, 2 halls, one visiting room, Dinning hall, Kitchen, store room and 2 secret passages. One secret passage is for movement within the palace and the other secret passage will take one to Sree Krishna Temple in Peermade. But that passage is closed for security reasons.

Another view of Nadumuttom

The visiting room is a small one with chimney in it. This will lead to a hall which was used as an assembly room by the king. At the end of the room there is a semi circled portion which adds beauty to the room, there is also two French windows which give more light to the room and easy entry from outside. The next room is ‘Nadumuttam’ which is an open area covered by walls on the 4 sides. Here 3 rooms are there on one side. One used by Raja, One by Rani and One by maids of Rani. A secret passage laid here ensures that any time anyone in any room can go to the other rooms. Our guide told that this was used by the maids, so that they can go to any room when they are called. (Something just popped in my mind- (WHY CAN’T THE MAIDS GO NORMALLY USING THE DOORS?)

The Italian made windows

One room is used by the guide now. In other room all furnitures are dumped. The third room was used by Maids. It was there I saw the window which was imported from Italy. The design for that was given by Maharaja. Now this is one among the few things in palace which has not been destroyed in the wrath of time. The design, the craftsmanship and the look of the window was magnificent.

Entertainment hall

Then there was one more hall which was used for entertainment activities like dance, singing etc. This was similar to that of assembly room expect for the fact that there was no French windows.

Then we have the big dinning hall. I saw the majestic washbasins there. If it was renovated it would be a superb palace, but here it is in all its ruins, neglected by government and people. The Kitchen was very big and it could fit 100 people there

Nadumuttom

Guide said that the palace is now owned by an IT company at Bangalore. He doesn’t know the name of that firm. Our guide was so nice to us, so we gave him a nice tip. Anyways Students and I enjoyed the trip very much. It was so good and nice. The students have already done the photo session of it. Yet I let them have their photo session for a bit longer. When I saw them I was recollecting my college memories. We don’t remember the classes but we do remember the trips and IV’s. So I said to them, enjoy very well, for these are the one among the most beautiful memories one can have.

Girls’ day out

This is the best trip I ever had so far. It is amazing when you get a very good travelling partner who thinks like and acts like you. Yeah I am talking about my best friend Neeraja. Even though is is elder to me by 3 years I call her by her name. Neeraja currently works in Peerimedu in Idukki. She has called me many times to visit her there, unfortunately we didn’t have time, so we postponed many journey and plan. Finally from March 28^th to 31^st it was holiday since it was good Friday and Easter. So let me talk about the trip….

On 28^th March I went to kottayam via train. I had to select a train which would stop at Kayamkulam also since Neeraja would get in from there. We then went to Peerimedu via bus. It is altogether 5 hours journey. I stayed with Neeraja in her realtives place. That night we had ‘Kappa” and chicken curry. It was so tasty. Thanks to her aunty for preparing such a spectacular dish for me. At night I played badminton with Kichu ( neeraja’s cousin). He is a great player like me… night time it is cold there, same way early morning too. But not that much cold, still cold enough to use a blanket while you sleep. I decide I wouldn’t be taking bath early morning, water is so cold there. Cold enough to give Goosebumps.

Next day morning Kichu  showed me tea garden behind their house.  This was something new for me.. to have a tea garden in your backyard.. kind off cool thing… but it was not as green as I expected. Moreover it has been planted recently and still at initial stages of growth. But that morning walk was so good and hot that it made me to take bath.

Neeraja said we would be going by “Hero Honda pleasure”, her another aunty’s scooter. I gladly said ok. When we got the scooter, to my senses I understood that the self starter won’t work. The next option was to kick start. Uncle started kicking, no result. Neeraja started kicking, no result. Finally she asked my help. I started kicking, it won’t work. I became desperate. That scooter was our only vehicle for adventures and that damn thing won’t work. Then I decided I would keep kicking till it starts or it breaks.  Brrr brrrr brrrrr

Wow the ‘Pleasure’ started. I was so proud to be a great kicker… Bravo !

She started riding and I started exploring the wild hills, tea garden and all. The journey in it with her was one thing which made our trip memorable.

She said she would be taking me to Wagamon, a place where green plain hills are there. It is almost 1.5 hours journey. Her another cousin Akash joined us with his friend Muffin. They were our bodyguards… after all the family wouldn’t leave 2 girls to travel so far alone. Akash with his heavy super bike was guiding us.

Finally we reached there. Akash’s dad is renowned businessmen. He was also a popular kid there because of the same reason. We went from one hill to another. It is a tourist spot, there is lot of rush in morning afternoon and evening. Don’t go there at night, because local people may be having drinks and drugs there. It is a place for couples to walk, talk and get lost.

We started to walk from one hill to another. When we reached other hill the old one became more green and beautiful, when we returned the other one became greener. Finally we understood that hills are playing with us. We had carried one umbrella with us; it helped us to save our skin from scorching sun. Even though there was wind, it was not good enough to keep us cool. After spending 30 minutes there we went to another hill which was a bigger one.

We then went to Pine forest which is 15 minutes away from there. It is again another tourist spot but the local dudes were shouting and holing, we were fed up with them. They were like monkeys in the tree. I wanted some silence, peace and I wanted to get dissolved in nature. But these monkeys wouldn’t let me, then there were children who imitated them. I loved the place but was disappointed with people.

 FOR PUBLIC NOTICE: IF YOU LIKE TO SHOUT, HOWL AND DO SIMILAR THINGS, PLEASE GO TO PUB OR SUCH PLACE. DON’T DESTROY THE PEACE OF NATURE, PLEASE.

We said bye to Akash and his friend.

Again in the ‘pleasure ride’… On the way back to home..

Our next destination happened to be PATTUMALLA PALLI since it was in the route of our way back to home. It is a big church but it was closed by the time we reached there. I got info that Italian marbles were imported to build the same. I would say it is worth because the church was such a beauty. Tea gardens were surrounding it. These tea gardens were green and green. Simply beautiful. We spend some time there enjoying the beautiful tea garden, then we came back. That was truly beautiful…

Next day we planned to go to Thekkady which is about 30 minutes away from home. Neeraja, Chikku and his mom and I went there in a prepaid auto. Thekkady is one of the most favorite destinations for tourists and all grocery items, food etc are priced accordingly for the tourists. Ten minute walk inside the forest to reach the Lake. If you want boat ride you should have booked it earlier. Boat journey will last for 3-4 hours. Aunty told that Lake has dried up a little more and hence boat journey would be a waste. So we just viewed the outside and came back.

Aunty had plans to buy plants and flowers for her garden, so we visited few nurseries for the same. There a number of nursery’s there and huge collection of wide varieties of flora.. Soon we came back and had lunch from home.

Our next destination was PARUNTHANPARA which was almost one hour from home. Only domestic tourists go there because foreign tourists might have less idea for the same. Anyhow this time I was riding the scooter and because of my careful driving we reached there, little late. Akash had already reached there and he was ‘admiring’ the speed of my ride. Parunthanpara has very good mountain scenery and there is spot called ‘Tagore head’. It got the name because it resembles the head of tagore with similar face and beard. And the interesting thing is that we can go to spot and sit there. ( we can stand, sit and enjoy the view of mountains over ‘Tagores head’). We spend sometime there and went to AMMACHI KOTTARAM. Since it was late and there were local drunkers there we couldn’t go there. We stayed in Neeraja’s grandmom’s house.

So far I had a nice time and it was time for me to go next day. Next day morning we went to Akash’s house, his mom made us good breakfast and we talked a lot and said bye to them. I took bus and went to Kottayam, Since we missed the train, I took another bus to Trivandrum.

Back to Trivandrum…

The days were awesome, really felt happy and good. Thank you my dear friend Neeraja and family for giving me beautiful memories… I will miss you all !

Navaratri break in Kannur

During Navaratri break I and Neeraja decided to go to my home. She decided all of a sudden to come with me, so she didn’t get a confirm ticket. We were scared whether TT would screw us but luckily TT never even bothered us. Thanks to Maveli Express.

We reached Kannur by 5: 45 am, it was quite early but my cousin brother came to pick us. We reached my home and soon we slept there. Neeraja is a coffee addict, I m not; However she had tea in the morning. Mom and I decided to go to Perallaserry Temple

Perallaserry temple

Perallaserry temple is a famous temple in Kannur and the ‘prathista’ is Lord Subramanyan. I like the temple especially because of it wide, large temple pond with magnificently architecture of step all around it, it is indeed a beauty. Also when Kumbamela occurs, devotees do special poojas here and take bath.

Near to the temple there is another Krishna temple. It is said that it was a very old temple and lost its pride and was destroyed by foreign invaders. It was so destroyed that only its basic foundation remained. Later on as time passed land slide occurred, trees grew and everyone forgot about the temple. Later when a family bought the land and started construction of a house, they got the remains of temple and founded the basic foundation of temple; soon a committee was formed for the resurrection of temple. All devotes are given ‘palpayasam’ as ‘prasadaam’ here. And it is free: )

Muzhappilangad beach

Next day we went to Muzhappilangad Beach. It is the longest driving beach in Asia, no one in Kannur would believe that. It is so beautiful and the sea is really calm. Best hang out with friends and family, you could have your own play area in the beach, it is that much long.

One end of the beach connects to Dharmadam Island, here entry is possible only during low tides, I never got an opportunity to go there so far. My brother drove the car from one end of the beach to the center and parked there. We started playing in the beach.

I challenged my brother for a running race, he said he would win. I just smiled. We ran and ran. I was half way, but he completed the full course by that time. What can I say; his big legs defeated my tiny legs. The fittest becomes the winner, that’s what Darwin said. No issues let him say anything. I just let my brother win; after all he is my brother.

St Angelo Fort

Next day we went to St Angelo Fort. It was built by Tippu Sultan. Neeraja had never visited a fort before and she liked it. I was wonder stuck when she asked me why forts are build near the sea. I had to give a long explanation to her. Actually fort is the first defence against intruders from sea. I think Tippu Sultans main enemies’ were Britishers and foreigners. I hate autocratic rulers for many reasons because in order to make their ideas happen they kill the ideas of others. That is insane and just makes them cowards.

Walking through the fort I understood that I missed this place, I have come here with many dear and near ones and now once again the nostalgia connects me to them.  If you look at the very end of beach you will be able to see Muzhappilangad beach, I forgot to mention that Angelo fort is next to Payyambalam beach. I have been in this beach with my friends, but I like the beaches in Trivandrum more, I cannot say which memories makes those beaches close to my heart…

Kovalam beach: beautiful, peaceful and so nice

That day we decided to go to Thenmala, the first Eco-tourism location in Kerala. But we got up late, moreover we were not ready to travel such a distance on Sunday. Libin demotivated Neeraja by saying that ticket counter is 1km away from the actual place and I don’t know what he told, we decided not to go.

But it was Sunday, bored of watching films and moreover frustrated to spend the day in hostel, so we decided to go to Kovalam. Neeraja badly wanted to go Kovalam; she said she doesn’t have clear memories of that beach. I guessed she visited the beach when she was young. Anyways when two ladies have decided something finally there is no way anyone could stop it. Lakshmy wanted to join us but she had SBI clerical exams. (she is 99% sure she won’t get it but still she hold s on to the 1% and writes exam). So I and Neeraja decided, we are going Kovalam this evening.

How we reached.

We took bus from East fort bus stop which is 30 minutes far away from our hostel. Bus to Kovalam is frequent and it may take hardly 20 minutes to reach there. We took AC Volvo bus and cost per head is 26Rs which is very fair considering the journey.

Our experience

It takes 3 minute walk from bus stop to reach the beach. On our way we bought a packet of cut salty and spicy mangoes, costs only 10 Rs but tastes so delicious. The local flavor was more in it. The other tourists looked at us and smiled.

Kovalam is a very beautiful and clean beach compared to Shankumugham. The waves are so beautiful and water seems to be so clean. I noticed this only in Kovalam beach. When we started playing in water we were so happy. There is something about this beach that makes us so happy. Every time I looked into née raja’s eyes she was glowing with happiness, that spark was so clear in her eyes.

For me the waves were little naughty, big waves surprises us all of a sudden but it won’t make you afraid. It is peaceful even though it is naughty.

Near to our play area there was a fishing boat; Neeraja spoke to the local fisherman there and got into the boat. Sooner or later I too joined. The tourists were envious I guess, they wanted to get into the boat but they didn’t know the local language.

We started walking in the beach, we were not tired, and we just roamed from place to place. We also visited the shops but didn’t buy anything because the shopkeepers priced everything very high. It is for the tourists and not for the locals.

By 6 O clock the fishermen assembled and were ready to go to the sea. The tourists gathered to see the fishing. We didn’t waited that long because we need to get back to our hostel before 8pm. So we rushed to bus stop.

Unfortunately we didn’t know there were 2 beaches in Kovalam, we just saw the first one near the bus stop, it was very good. But we really want to go to the other beach now. I am more curious now.

“Shankumugham” the perfect hang out

Shankumugham is a very beautiful beach located in Trivandrum district in Kerala. It is so peaceful and for me it is perfect hang out. I went here first time with Bobby and Devika, then frequently with Neeraja, Lakshmy and Athira. Now Neeraja has become my best travel companion. We both have many common interests and tastes. Even though my first impression for the seashore was good, there is something about this place which I don’t like and that is nothing but cleanliness. There are so many litters in the beach which makes us feel dirty while walking there. We really need to fix this.

How to reach?

Catch a bus to Shankumugham from East fort bus stop. There is a special double ducker bus for this destination; the travel experience in it is especially great. You really don’t wanna miss that. Moreover it will take only 20 minutes if there is less traffic.

Main attractions I saw

Beach is remarkably peaceful; sometimes there is a little violent wave (mainly during full moon days). There is a small shelter made of stones, it is the frequent shoot location for serials, films etc. there is also a small park near to the beach and there is a statue of naked lady whose face is so calm (people always forgets to look at her face). There is also Indian coffee house, one of the gems of Kerala government. There is a wide variety of sea foods and local foods available in the food stalls and the price is optimum. As Shankumugham is one of the best tourists place in Trivandrum there is frequent bus transportation, try not to catch autos, they may charge you more.

My experience

Frankly speaking Shankumugham is the second best beach I saw in Kerala till now. Muzhappilangad Driving beach in Kannur is the best beach I saw in Kerala. It is clean, peaceful and very beautiful. Shankumugham is a good place for hang out with friends, family and all dear and near ones. But not a honeymoon spot (this is commented by my married friend). She said that it is a perfect dating destination (her face blushed when she said this and memories flashed in her mind, hey readers don’t think too much, she married the same person).

When we were with friends, enjoying the waves, we saw one married couple. They were trying to play with the waves. Every time a high wave comes, the guy runs away. Wife is busy taking photos of his ‘play’. Even though he is inviting her to join with his ‘play’, she remained enjoying his actions. Then he started splashing water over her. May be they were enjoying, but all people over there were laughing at them. For us it looked awkward. We too started enjoying this comedy show. You see in Kerala it is very hard to get these scenes so publicly. Even though we are the most literate people in India, our mindset is conditioned to be “narrow minded”. But slowly we are recovering and will soon become broad minded. Just see our generation.

It is very good to play with the waves. People irrespective of their ages becomes a child here. Playing in waters, posing for a good entertaining family photo etc are some of the common scenes here.  Play with the waves, enjoy the meals and have a perfect hang out with friends.

“Vettukadu”- a church like no other

Vettukadu is one of the most powerful churches in Trivandrum. I am writing about this church based on my interactions with friends, hostel mates etc. now why did I say it’s powerful? Well it is because whatever we pray from here becomes true. There a “white thread” which is available in church and we can pray for a thing and tie it to our hand. If it breaks without our knowledge in the following months then whatever you desired will happen. I did it and it happened. One of my friends said that when you visit a church for the first time in any place, the first three things you pray for will happen very quickly.

How to reach Vettukadu?

Vettukadu is located in Trivandrum district in Kerala. Catch a bus to “Veli” from East fort Bus stop. Buy a ticket, it will hardly cost 11 Rs and tell the conductor to inform when you reach Vettukadu. It will take hardly 45 minutes.

Main attractions in Vettukadu

First you can see a statue of Jesus holding the cross. It is said that it is most powerful statue. We went there first and prayed. Then next to it is a cathedral which is under construction. If you cross the road you can see a temporary cathedral where devotees pray. Go there, pray, wait for minutes at least and then return. Don’t forget to get blessed with holy water.

Little away from the statue is where you will get the magical “white Thread”. If you go to that building you will be able to see a miniature statue of Jesus holding the cross, next to it there is a bundle of white thread available. Pray, make a wish, take white thread long enough to tie in your hands. You can also carry thread for your friends, relatives who didn’t come there also. Then near to that there is holy water. I often see people drinking holy water after they make a wish.

I went to Vettukadu first with bobby, Lakshmy and Devika. Then with Neeraja and recently with Anju. What I like about the place is that it is calm and near to the beach. But it is sad that beach is not clean. After the construction of cathedral Vettukadu will become more magnificent.

When I tied the white thread I felt some energy with it. When I made the wish and tied it, my faith in it was strong. Even though it got broken in front of my eyes, whatever I wished came true. My thread got broken within 3 weeks. And if God want to examine your patience it may take months for the thread to break off. This happened with Neeraja.